Light into Life is a fantastic exhibition exploring the relationship between science, plants and creativity by British artist Marc Quinn and it remains on view at the stunning Kew Gardens, in London, until 29 September 2024. Throughout his great career, the artist has worked in sculpture, drawing and painting and since 1990, when he had his major breakthrough, his work has examined identity and beauty. It connects with art history incorporating and often dialoguing with antiquity and references from the visual art world.

Kew Gardens features 17 large-scale stainless steel and bronze sculptures dotted around the outside spaces and in the Temperate House. They’re presented alongside a display of Quinn’s new and existing paintings, drawings, sculptures and evocative frozen works in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery. 

The artworks are not only a visual feast that resonate with the gardens, but they also present an opportunity to learn more about the various ways that plants are vital to human existence. Quinn has been collaborating closely with Kew scientists and horticulturists to learn more about plants and their amazing shapes and forms. He draws inspiration for his work from significant plants in the collections.

Stella McCartney loved the show so much that she decided to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her Elyse platform shoe in front of Quinn’s sculpture. To mark the occasion, the British fashion brand known for pioneering sustainable fashion has launched a limited-edition capsule of monochromatic styles, available in tone-on-tone black, red, white and all-over lead-free crystal. Quinn’s installation, which the brand describes as a “sculptural celebration of sunlight and plants as the roots of life on Earth, with reflective pieces reminding us that we are in nature and at one with it,” is in line with Stella’s vision for the Elyse, which is to “protect Mother Earth and our fellow creatures by using plant-based and cruelty-free alternatives”.

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